The sound of hooves echoed faintly outside the orphanage gates.
Kael looked up instinctively.
The morning sun had climbed higher now, bathing the old stone building in warm light. The backyard, once filled with carefree laughter, had grown quieter—restless. Children clustered in small groups, whispering excitedly, some bouncing on their feet while others clutched their sleeves nervously.
Anna was sitting on the low stone edge of the fountain, swinging her legs back and forth. "Do you think he'll be old?" she asked, eyes sparkling. "Priests are always old in stories."
Sophia sat beside her, hands folded neatly in her lap. "M-maybe," she said softly. "But… Sister Maren said he's kind."
Kael stood in front of them, his dark hair stirred gently by the breeze. He didn't say anything at first. His gaze was fixed on the iron gate at the far end of the yard.
Then it opened.
A man stepped inside, guided by Sister Maren.
He wore long white robes trimmed with gold thread, the symbol of the Church stitched over his chest. His hair was silver, though his face didn't look ancient—just tired, like someone who had seen too much of the world. A wooden staff rested in his hand, its top carved into a simple circle.
"That's him," Anna whispered, excitement bubbling in her voice.
Sophia nodded, eyes wide.
Kael felt his heart beat a little faster.
Sister Maren clapped her hands sharply. "Alright, everyone! Listen up!"
The children froze.
"The priest has arrived," she announced. "We will now begin the aptitude test. Line up and head inside, quietly."
The word *aptitude* sent a ripple through the yard.
Children rushed toward the entrance, some nearly tripping over their own feet. Others hesitated, their earlier excitement turning into visible nerves. Kael walked with Anna and Sophia, letting the crowd carry them forward.
Inside the orphanage hall, the long tables had been pushed aside. Chairs lined the walls, leaving the center open. Sunlight filtered through tall windows, illuminating dust motes drifting lazily in the air.
Kael glanced around.
Some children were whispering prayers under their breath. Others clenched their fists, faces pale. A few wore confident grins, already imagining themselves powerful.
His eyes flicked to one corner.
Mike was there.
The boy leaned against the wall, arms crossed, eyes locked onto Kael with open hostility. His gaze was sharp, burning with something ugly.
Kael felt it—but chose to look away.
*It's not worth it,* he told himself.
The priest stepped forward, tapping his staff gently against the floor. The sound echoed, and silence fell.
"Children," he said calmly, his voice smooth and steady. "My name is Priest Aldren. Today, I will test your aptitude."
A murmur rippled through the room.
"In this world," Aldren continued, "power takes many forms. Some of you may awaken magic—mana that bends the elements, shapes spells, and touches the arcane."
He paused, letting the words sink in.
"Others may awaken aura," he went on. "Strength of the body. Enhancement of flesh. The path of knights, warriors, and paladins."
He raised his hand, and Sister Maren stepped forward, carrying a small velvet cloth. Upon it rested a **round glass ball**, clear as water.
The room collectively held its breath.
"This," Aldren said, lifting the sphere, "is an **Aptitude Ball**."
Light refracted through it as it turned in his palm.
"When you place your hand upon it, the ball will respond to your potential. Not your effort. Not your will. Your *innate aptitude*."
He looked around, his gaze gentle but firm.
"There are **ten levels**."
The children leaned forward.
"Level One," Aldren said, "is the lowest—those with minimal talent. Advancement is difficult, though not impossible."
A few children swallowed hard.
"Levels Three and Four are common," he continued. "Reliable. Stable. Many adventurers and soldiers are born here."
Murmurs spread.
"Level Five marks true promise. Those who work hard may rise far."
Anna's fingers tightened around the edge of the bench.
"Levels Six and Seven are rare," Aldren said. "Talents worthy of notice."
Mike straightened unconsciously.
"And Level Eight…" Aldren paused. "Level Eight is genius."
Gasps filled the hall.
"Nine and Ten," he finished quietly, "are legends."
The priest's eyes softened. "In all recorded history on this continent, only two have reached Level Ten—the First Hero, and the Great Sage of the North."
The room erupted.
"Really?!"
"That's amazing!"
"Only two?!"
Kael felt his chest tighten.
*Only two…*
"Now," Aldren said firmly, tapping his staff again. "We will begin. One by one."
The first child stepped forward.
The ball glowed faintly.
"Level Three," Aldren announced.
The pattern continued.
Level Three.
Level Four.
Another Three.
One Five—earning cheers.
The hall buzzed with emotions. Some children beamed proudly. Others looked disappointed, forcing smiles.
Then—
"Mike."
The name echoed.
Mike strode forward confidently, chin raised. He placed his hand on the glass ball.
For a moment, nothing happened.
Then the sphere flared.
Bright.
Brighter.
A sharp white light filled the hall.
"Level Six," Aldren declared.
Gasps. Applause.
Mike grinned widely, chest puffed out. He looked around, basking in the attention—then his eyes found Anna.
She wasn't looking at him.
She was leaning toward Kael, whispering something excitedly.
Mike's smile twitched.
His gaze hardened.
He turned away sharply and walked back to his seat, fists clenched.
The test continued.
More Threes.
A couple Fours.
One Five.
Then—
"Anna."
Anna froze.
Sophia squeezed her hand. "You can do it…"
Kael smiled at her. "Yeah. You'll be amazing."
Anna swallowed, then stepped forward.
She hesitated before touching the ball.
Her fingers trembled.
Then—light.
It wasn't just bright.
It was **radiant**.
Golden light poured from the sphere, flooding the hall. The glow was stronger than Mike's—cleaner, warmer.
The children gasped loudly.
Aldren's eyes widened.
The light settled.
"Level Eight," he said slowly.
Silence.
Then chaos.
"What?!"
"Level Eight?!"
"That's insane!"
Anna blinked. "E-Eight…?"
She turned toward Kael and Sophia, eyes wide.
"I-I did it!" she shouted suddenly, joy exploding from her. "I really did it!"
Sophia jumped up, clapping shyly. "Anna… that's amazing!"
Kael felt genuine happiness spread through him. "I knew it," he said softly. "I really did."
Aldren stepped forward, his expression serious now. "Child," he said, "with this aptitude, you must not waste your potential."
He turned to Sister Maren. "I strongly recommend her to the **Aetherion Academy**, in the **Kingdom of Valencrest**, on the Central Plains. It is where great mages and masters are trained."
Anna's breath caught.
"A-academy…?" she whispered.
Kael watched her smile bloom—brighter than the light in the glass ball.
For a moment, he forgot everything else.
Forgot Mike's glare.
Forgot his own test waiting ahead.
He was just happy for his friend.
The priest nodded once. "We will continue."
Sophia and Kael exchanged a look.
Their turn was coming next.